Predisposing factors for infiltration in children submitted to peripheral venous catheterization.

Aims: The aims were to compare characteristics of children with peripheral intravenous catheters who developed infiltration and those who did not and to identify risk factors for developing this complication.

Method: A retrospective cohort study carried out at a university hospital, with 338 children with peripheral intravenous catheters. Variables related to the children and therapies were investigated.

Results: Researchers identified infiltration in 54 children (16%). Characteristics statistically different in those who developed infiltration were the following: intravenous therapy for more than 5 days, presence of predisposing factors to peripheral venipuncture failure, history of previous infiltration, catheter readjustment to vein insertion, use of infusion pump, intermittent administrations, and shorter dwell time.

Conclusion: Only intravenous therapy variables showed a significant relation with the occurrence of infiltration and represented risk factors for its occurrence.